Our Story – LUM Annual Report 2024

I love a good investment! I’ve had a few that did remarkably well, while others, frankly, tanked. But in all sincerity, the BEST investment I’ve made in recent memory was in Lafayette Urban Ministry. Helping keep a hard-working family off the streets of homelessness is a pay-off that’s truly priceless. Offering a hand-up to someone in need brings me to life in a tangible way, and I know that the impact ripples through our entire community. 

As this report evidences, LUM had a very successful year in 2024. Together, we have made a significant positive impact in our community in many meaningful ways — homelessness, hunger, and caring for young people at risk. These are causes that I believe are close to God’s heart, and I’m grateful to be part of an organization that prioritizes these critical needs. Thank you sincerely for your support and for any part you played in these accomplishments.

 I’m both grateful and encouraged by the collective effort of our community. I’ve always been happier and do better when in the company of like-minded folks on a big, meaningful adventure. With that in mind, please accept this as my invitation to join in the LUM adventure for 2025. We’re looking forward to continuing and building on the good things we’ve been doing and trying out some exciting new ones. 

If you have any input, ideas, or questions, please feel free to call or text me at (517) 712-1324 or email president@lafayetteurbanministry.org.

Bob Shockey
President, Board of Directors

Welcome to the 2024 LUM Impact Report! Thank you for taking time to have a look at what was a bustling and blessed year. Thank you for the role you played—through prayers, time, finances, and relationships—to uplift our neighbors.

Two phrases come to mind regarding 2024:

• “Step up.” The LUM board and staff members were given this challenge, knowing that it was going to be a pivotal year for programs, events, finances, and future planning. The board and staff members rose to the occasion, and hundreds of volunteers and donors stepped up to meet the needs of our community. As a result, LUM was able to serve the community 48,594 times, marking a 23% increase from 2023.
• “Better than ever.” This enthusiastic response encapsulates how LUM is doing. Organizationally and financially, LUM is thriving, thanks to the faithful leadership and generosity of past years. Programmatically, we are “better than ever,” offering essential services to those seeking a hand up. With skilled staff, dedicated volunteers, key community partnerships, and generous donors, LUM, by God’s grace, is“better than ever.”

This Impact Report celebrates the incredible, dignity-giving, hospitable, and compassionate work done in 2024. Thanks be to God. (“All that we have accomplished you have done for us” Isaiah 26:12.)

May these numbers, photos, and stories inspire you to join LUM in serving the Greater Lafayette community in 2025. As community needs grow, we must continue to “step up” to serve our most vulnerable neighbors “better than ever.”

Wes Tillett
Executive Director